Rent a Car in Kefalonia in Ionian Islands with SimplyBook

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Looking for a Kefalonia car rental? Kefalonia Island, a jewel in the Ionian Sea, is a paradise of lush landscapes, crystal-clear beaches, and charming villages. Rent a car to explore iconic Myrtos Beach, Melissani Cave, and the village of Assos.

Simplybook connects you with trusted local agencies. Compare prices, book online, pick up at the airport or port.

Pick-up at Kefalonia Airport (EFL), Sami Port, Argostoli, and other locations.

Getting Around Kefalonia

The largest Ionian island with significant distances — Argostoli to Fiskardo takes 90 minutes on winding mountain roads. A car is strongly recommended. The descent to Myrtos Beach involves steep switchbacks with spectacular views.

Kefalonia Airport (EFL) is 9 km south of Argostoli, near Lassi resort.

Scenic Drives

Argostoli to Assos and Fiskardo (60 km, 90 min)

One of Greece's most scenic drives. Hairpin bends through pine forests to Assos — a peninsula village with Venetian castle. Continue to Fiskardo, a colourful harbour surviving the 1953 earthquake. Stop at Myrtos Beach viewpoint.

Sami to Melissani Cave and Agia Efimia (15 km)

Short drive to Melissani Cave — underground lake where sunlight through a collapsed roof creates ethereal blue light. Continue to Agia Efimia with views across to Ithaca.

Mount Ainos National Park (30 km)

Drive south to Mount Ainos (1,628m) through native Cephalonian fir forests. Views over both coasts. Wildlife includes wild horses and birds of prey.

Beaches

Myrtos — Often voted Greece's best. White cliffs, turquoise water. 30 km north.
Antisamos — Pebble beach near Sami. Captain Corelli's Mandolin filming location.
Petani — Dramatic west-coast beach beneath cliffs. Less crowded. 25 km northwest.
Skala — Long sandy beach in the south. Shallow, family-friendly. 35 km southeast.
Xi Beach — Red-sand beach on the south coast. Unusual and sheltered.

Best Time to Visit

June to September — hot, dry. Even peak season feels relaxed.

May and October — fewer visitors, lower prices. Spring ideal for Mount Ainos hiking.

Practical Tips

Car essential: Large island, spread-out attractions.
Pickup: Airport (EFL), Sami Port, Argostoli, hotel delivery.
Ferry ports: Sami (Ithaca/Patras), Poros (Killini), Pessada (Zakynthos).
Fuel: Fill up in Argostoli or Sami before remote areas.

Kefalonia Food

Proud culinary identity. Try kreatopita (meat pie), mandoles (candied almonds), and Robola wine — crisp white from Mount Ainos slopes. Visit the Robola Cooperative near Fragata. Fiskardo's harbour tavernas serve the finest Ionian seafood.

Why Book Local

Simplybook connects you with local agencies. Why support local companies? Other Ionian: Corfu, Zakynthos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I pick up my rental car at Kefalonia Airport (EFL)?

We provide pickup at Kefalonia Airport (Anna Pollatou) near Argostoli. Our staff meets you at arrivals. The airport is about 9 km from the island's capital, Argostoli.

What is the drive like to Myrtos Beach?

Myrtos Beach is about 30 km (40 minutes) north of Argostoli. The road is paved and includes a dramatic descent to the beach with breathtaking views. The road has hairpin turns on the descent, so drive carefully. Parking is available above the beach.

Is it easy to drive around Kefalonia?

Kefalonia is the largest Ionian island, so a car is almost essential. Main roads are well-paved, connecting Argostoli, Sami, Fiskardo, and Skala. A full island loop takes about 3-4 hours of driving. Some coastal roads are narrow but manageable.

An aerial view of the famous myrtos beach with the turquoise waters

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